RCTC Falls Short in MCAC Championship Thriller Against NDSCS, 37–29

In a hard-fought battle that lived up to the stakes of a championship, the Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets came up just short in the MCAC title game, falling 37–29 to the North Dakota State College of Science Wildcats on Saturday afternoon at the RCTC Stadium.

Despite a slow start, the Yellowjackets (8–2) mounted a furious second-half comeback, turning a 16-point halftime deficit into a fourth-quarter lead. However, a late surge by the Wildcats (10–1) proved too much to overcome, as NDSCS scored 21 points in the final quarter to reclaim the lead and secure the conference crown.

First Half: Early Struggles and Missed Opportunities

The game began with RCTC struggling to find its rhythm offensively. The Yellowjackets were held scoreless in the first quarter while the Wildcats managed a touchdown to take a 6–0 lead. In the second quarter, NDSCS added a field goal and another touchdown to extend their lead to 16–0.  RCTC finally broke through late in the second quarter when quarterback Devin Gonzalez connected with Kyron Burroughs for a touchdown, trimming the deficit to 16–7 heading into halftime. The score was a much-needed spark for the Yellowjackets, who had been stifled by the Wildcats' defense for much of the first half.

Second Half: Momentum Shifts and a Yellowjacket Surge

The third quarter belonged entirely to RCTC. The Yellowjackets came out of the locker room with renewed energy and executed a near-flawless quarter on both sides of the ball. Gonzalez led the charge, throwing for 192 yards on the day and adding a rushing touchdown. Burroughs was a standout performer, rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in six receptions for 67 yards and a score.

RCTC scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter, taking a 23–16 lead. 

Fourth Quarter: A Wild Finish

The final quarter was a rollercoaster. NDSCS responded with a touchdown to tie the game at 23–23. RCTC answered right back, with Gonzalez engineering another scoring drive capped by a short touchdown run, giving the Yellowjackets a 29–23 lead. However, the extra point attempt failed.

With just minutes remaining, the Wildcats capitalized on a pair of RCTC turnovers, including two interceptions, and turned them into back-to-back touchdowns.  A late rushing score gave NDSCS the lead, and a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown by Terrell Renne NDSCS sealed the game at 37–29.  The Jackets did drive down thfield and scored with 46 second remianing, but the attempted onside kick was unsuccessful and the Wildcats ran out the clock for the win.

Standout Performances

Despite the loss, several Yellowjackets delivered standout performances. Kyron Burroughs was electric, totaling over 200 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Gonzalez threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, T'Kyerian Gray and Noah Washington each recorded 10 total tackles, while Daniel Graham added nine tackles and the team's lone sack. Jakel Davis and Noah Washington also contributed with key interceptions, returning them for 32 and 30 yards respectively.

Special teams also played a pivotal role. Chase Karpowich was solid, converting a 25-yard field goal and three extra points. Noah Courington led the return game with 115 yards on four kickoff returns, consistently giving RCTC favorable field position.

By the Numbers

• Total Offense: RCTC outgained NDSCS 343 to 320 yards.
• Passing: RCTC held a significant edge with 192 passing yards to NDSCS's 80.
• Rushing: NDSCS had the edge on the ground, rushing for 240 yards to RCTC's 151.
• Turnovers: RCTC threw three interceptions, while the defense forced three of their own.
• Return Yards: RCTC dominated in return yardage, racking up 255 yards compared to NDSCS's 116.

Looking Ahead

While the loss stings, the Yellowjackets have much to be proud of. An 8–2 season, a trip to the MCAC Championship, and a roster full of young talent point to a bright future for the program. Head Coach Terrence Isaac and his staff will no doubt use this experience as fuel heading into the offseason.